We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.
Photo: NPS / David Hunter
Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush.
- LocationArco, ID
- Entrance $20 private vehicle
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now61°F Sunny
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Birds
- Caves, Caverns and Karst
- Climate Change
- Fire
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Migrations
8 more topics
- Native American Heritage
- Night Sky
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Trails
- Unique Species
- Volcanoes
- Westward Expansion
- Wilderness
Alerts (2)
Park ClosurePark Bookstore Update The park bookstore is currently transitioning to a new partner. The park is working to identify and establish a new book… Read more
The park bookstore is currently transitioning to a new partner. The park is working to identify and establish a new bookstore provider, and additional information will be shared as it becomes available. Due to this transition, a bookstore with items for purchase will not be in service until a new partner is established. Thank you for your patience during this transition.
CautionNavigation Please do not rely upon GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Craters of the Moon. Please note that the Rob… Read more
Please do not rely upon GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Craters of the Moon. Please note that the Robert Limbert Visitor Center at 1266 Craters Loop Road is located just off U.S. Highway 20/26/93 and is not accessed via any unpaved roads.
Things to Do
22 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Camping
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Lava Flow Campground
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
The Lava Flow Campground is a 42-site campground accessible by automobile from May through November depending on snow conditions. All sites are available on a…
Details
The Lava Flow Campground is a 42-site campground accessible by automobile from May through November depending on snow conditions. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites will accommodate large RVs, but no hookups are available.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Robert Limbert Visitor Center
Facility
When open, stop by the visitor center for maps and the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association bookstore, and of course: your passport stamp!
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Arco, ID (208) 527-1335 Directions
Details
When open, stop by the visitor center for maps and the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association bookstore, and of course: your passport stamp!
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Hours details
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Craters of the Moon National Monument and PreserveOpen 24 hours, daily
The Loop Road is typically open from mid April through late November as conditions allow.
Entrance fees
- $20Private Vehicle
- $15Motorcycle
- $10Per Person
All 7 fees & details
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Private Vehicle$20
This per-vehicle fee applies to private, non-commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. The fee covers the driver and any passengers.
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Motorcycle$15
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
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Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
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Per Person$10
This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free.
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Education/Academic GroupsFree
Classes or groups from accredited academic institutions may apply for a fee waiver ahead of their visit by contacting the park. Academic fee waivers are not granted automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the two criteria to receive a fee waiver: 1) eligibility and 2) educational purpose and relevance of park resources or facilities. Groups that choose to not make a reservation or apply for an academic fee waiver will be charged the standard entrance fee per vehicle.
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Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
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Commercial Entrance - Van$40
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
Passes
- $35Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Annual entrance pass for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve only. Valid for one year through the month of purchase. This pass can be purchased at the park entrance station.
Weather
61°F
Sunny · feels like 54°
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Today
67° 46°
Overcast5% rain -
Tomorrow
75° 47°
Overcast5% rain
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Saturday
70° 50°
Sunny0% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer sun bakes the black lava, generating surface temperatures of 170°F and air temperatures in the 90s. Drying winds are a daily occurrence, especially in the afternoon, and may reach 15 to 30 miles per hour.
Contact the park
Photos
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Many visitors come to Craters to explore its unique and fragile lava tubes. — NPS / Jacob W. Frank -
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Getting There
Arco, ID 83213
Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S.
Full directions
Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.
Mailing address: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Arco, ID 83213
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